RE FOOD HYGIENE RATING (WALES) BILL

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Bill.  I would like to offer my support for the introduction the mandatory hygiene rating scheme.  In particular, I consider that it has the following advantages:

· Increases transparency and choice for consumers. 

· Improves hygiene standards.  Local Authority colleagues have confirmed that the scheme has had a very positive effect locally on hygiene standards.

· Improvement in hygiene standards and the associated response by local consumers provides the opportunity to reduce the risk of food borne diseases such as Campylobacter and Salmonella.

· The scheme is also linked locally to the Healthy Options Award which recognises the promotion and availability of nutritious and balanced food choices on menus.  It is a requirement of the local scheme that the food business has a minimum score of 3 on the food hygiene rating scheme.  This provides the opportunity to promote initiatives to encourage healthy eating and reduce obesity levels.  This is particularly important in deprived areas such as Cwm Taf. Further information can be found at: http://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/en/business/tradingstandards/foodandagriculture/healthyoptionsaward.aspx

I hope this Bill will be supported by the Health and Social Services Committee as having a positive impact on health and health inequalities.

Yours sincerely

Nicola John

Director of Public Health